The popemobile is there to protect the leader of the Catholic Church, with bulletproof glass fitted since an attempt on the life of Pope John Paul II in 1981, and Francis is meant to stay in it for safety.

The Pope reportedly remained with the officer until an ambulance arrived and she was carried off in a stretcher — where are those healing powers when you need them?

The Vatican reported that the woman was conscious "and received some words of consolation from the Holy Father".